Natural Beauty Products: A Guide to Eco-Friendly and Cruelty-Free Labels
As a green family, making informed choices about eco-friendly beauty products is crucial. With so many products on the market claiming to be “natural,” “organic,” and “eco-friendly,” it can be overwhelming to navigate the labels. In this article, we’ll debunk common myths, raise awareness about what to look for, and discuss the challenges of making sustainable choices.
Myth-Busting: Common Label Claims
“Natural” doesn’t always mean natural: Just because a product claims to be natural doesn’t mean it’s free from harsh chemicals. Look for specific certifications like NATRUE or EcoCert.
“Organic” isn’t always 100% organic: Products labeled as “organic” may contain only a small percentage of organic ingredients. Check for certifications like USDA Organic or Soil Association.
“Eco-friendly” is a vague term: This label claim doesn’t necessarily mean the product is sustainable or environmentally friendly. Look for specific eco-friendly certifications like EcoLogo.
Certifications: The Seal of Approval
When shopping for eco-friendly beauty products, certifications can provide assurance that the product meets certain standards. But with so many certifications out there, it can be confusing to know which ones to look for – so here are some you know you can trust!
EcoCert is a globally recognized certification for sustainable and eco-friendly products. To obtain EcoCert certification, products must meet rigorous standards for environmental sustainability, including the use of natural and organic ingredients, minimal packaging, and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.
USDA Organic is a certification program run by the US Department of Agriculture. Products labeled as USDA Organic must contain at least 95% organic ingredients, and the remaining 5% must be approved by the National Organic Program. This certification ensures that products meet strict standards for organic farming and manufacturing practices.
The Soil Association is a UK-based charity that promotes sustainable and organic farming practices. Their certification program ensures that products meet rigorous standards for organic and sustainable production, including using natural and organic ingredients, minimal packaging, and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.
The Leaping Bunny Logo is a globally recognized certification for cruelty-free products. To obtain this certification, companies must agree to a strict no-animal-testing policy and undergo regular audits to ensure compliance. This certification ensures that products have not been tested on animals and are safe for use.
PETA Certification is a program run by the animal rights organization PETA. Products labeled as PETA-certified must meet strict standards for cruelty-free and vegan production, including the use of plant-based ingredients and no animal testing.
Choose Cruelty-Free (CCF) is an Australian-based certification program that promotes cruelty-free products. To obtain CCF certification, companies must agree to a strict no-animal-testing policy and undergo regular audits to ensure compliance. This certification ensures that products have not been tested on animals and are safe for use.
Beauty Without Cruelty (BWC) is a certification program that promotes cruelty-free and vegan beauty products. To obtain BWC certification, companies must meet strict standards for cruelty-free and vegan production, including the use of plant-based ingredients and no animal testing. This certification ensures that products are safe for use and align with ethical values.

Ingredient List: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
The ingredient list is where the truth lies. But with so many complicated chemical names, it can be hard to know what’s good for you and what’s not. In this section, we’ll give you the lowdown on how to read an ingredient list, what ingredients to avoid, and how to spot natural ingredients.
How to Read an Ingredient List
Start with the first ingredient: The first ingredient listed is usually the primary ingredient, making up the largest portion of the product.
Look for keywords: Pay attention to keywords like “natural,” “organic,” and “plant-based.”
Check the order: Ingredients are listed in descending order of concentration. If a natural ingredient is listed near the bottom, it may not be present in significant amounts.
Be aware of synonyms: Some ingredients may be listed under different names. For example, “sodium lauryl sulfate” and “sodium laureth sulfate” are both forms of sulfates.
Ingredients to Avoid
Parabens: Preservatives linked to hormone disruption and breast cancer.
Sulfates: Foaming agents that can strip skin of its natural oils.
Phthalates: Chemicals linked to hormone disruption and reproductive issues.
Artificial fragrances: Can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Synthetic dyes: Can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Triclosan: An antibacterial agent linked to hormone disruption and environmental concerns.
Formaldehyde-releasing agents: Preservatives that can release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.
Natural Ingredients to Look For
Essential oils: Plant-based oils with therapeutic benefits, such as lavender and tea tree oil.
Herbal extracts: Plant-based extracts with therapeutic benefits, such as chamomile and calendula.
Natural moisturizers: Ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and argan oil that help hydrate and nourish the skin.
Antioxidants: Ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and green tea extract that help protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Plant-based exfoliants: Ingredients like sugar, salt, and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that help exfoliate and brighten the skin.

Concentration of Natural Ingredients: Don’t Be Fooled
When shopping for natural beauty products, it’s essential to check the concentration of natural ingredients. Some products may claim to be natural but contain only a tiny percentage of natural ingredients. This practice is known as “greenwashing.”
How to Spot Low Concentrations of Natural Ingredients
Check the ingredient list: Look for natural ingredients near the top of the list. If they’re listed near the bottom, it may indicate a low concentration.
Look for percentages: Some products may list the percentage of natural ingredients. If it’s below 10-20%, it may not be as natural as claimed.
Be wary of vague claims: Phrases like “contains natural ingredients” or “derived from natural sources” can be misleading.
Check for certifications: Look for certifications like NATRUE, EcoCert, or USDA Organic, which have strict standards for natural ingredient concentrations.
When shopping for natural beauty products, aim for products with high concentrations of natural ingredients (at least 80-90%). This ensures you’re getting a genuinely natural product that’s better for your skin and the environment.
Packaging: The Environmental Impact
When shopping for beauty products, it’s easy to overlook the packaging. However, the packaging of a product can have a significant environmental impact. From plastic bottles to cardboard boxes, the waste can add up quickly.
The Problem with Traditional Packaging
Plastic waste: Plastic packaging is a major contributor to waste and pollution. Many plastic packaging materials are not recyclable and can take hundreds of years to decompose.
Resource consumption: Traditional packaging materials like paper, cardboard, and plastic require significant resources to produce, including water, energy, and raw materials.
Waste generation: The beauty industry generates a staggering amount of waste, with millions of packaging units ending up in landfills and oceans each year.
Sustainable Packaging Options
Minimal packaging: Opt for products with minimal packaging or those that use refillable containers.
Recyclable packaging: Choose products with recyclable packaging materials like glass, aluminum, or recyclable plastics.
Biodegradable packaging: Look for products with biodegradable packaging materials like bamboo, sugarcane, or mushroom-based packaging.
Compostable packaging: Some companies are now using compostable packaging materials that can easily decompose and return to nature.
Refill options: Look for companies that offer refill options or reusable containers.
Brands Leading the Way
Lush: Known for their minimal packaging and recyclable materials.
Burt’s Bees: Uses recyclable packaging materials and has a strong commitment to sustainability.
The Body Shop: Has made a commitment to using 100% recyclable packaging by 2025.
Kjaer Weis is a Danish luxury makeup brand that uses natural and organic ingredients. They offer a range of products, from foundation to eyeshadow, all made with natural and organic ingredients. Kjaer Weis is committed to sustainability and uses eco-friendly packaging.

Challenges When Choosing Eco-Friendly Beauty
Greenwashing: Some companies may make false or exaggerated claims about their products’ environmental benefits.
Lack of regulation: The beauty industry is largely self-regulated, making it difficult to navigate label claims.
Higher cost: Sustainable and eco-friendly products may be more expensive than conventional alternatives.
Limited availability: Sustainable products may not be widely available in local stores or online.
Tips for Making Sustainable Choices
Research: Look into the company’s values, mission, and sustainability policies.
Read labels carefully: Don’t rely on label claims alone. Check the ingredient list and certifications.
Support eco-friendly brands: Choose brands that prioritize sustainability and transparency.
Make your own products: Consider making your own beauty products using natural ingredients.
By being mindful of label claims, certifications, and animal cruelty, you can make informed choices that align with your values and promote a more sustainable future.
Avoiding Animal Cruelty in Beauty Products
When shopping for beauty products, it’s essential to consider the welfare of animals. Cruelty-free certifications ensure that products have not been tested on animals. Here are some certifications to look for:
Leaping Bunny Logo: A globally recognized certification that guarantees no animal testing.
PETA’s Cruelty-Free Logo: A certification that ensures products have not been tested on animals.
Choose Cruelty-Free (CCF) Certification: An Australian-based certification that promotes cruelty-free products.
Beauty Without Cruelty (BWC) Certification: A certification that ensures products have not been tested on animals and promotes compassion in beauty.

Cruelty-Free Brands we LOVE
Lush is a UK-based cosmetics company known for its handmade, cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly products. They offer a wide range of products, from bath bombs to skincare, and are committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Burt’s Bees is a US-based natural personal care products company. They offer a variety of products, including skincare, haircare, and lip care, all made with natural ingredients. Burt’s Bees is committed to sustainability and has a strong focus on environmental responsibility.
The Body Shop is a UK-based cosmetics company that has been a pioneer in ethical and sustainable beauty practices. They offer a wide range of products, from skincare to haircare, and are committed to fair trade, sustainability, and animal welfare.
Dr. Hauschka is a German luxury skincare brand that uses natural and organic ingredients. They are committed to sustainability and use environmentally friendly packaging. Dr. Hauschka products are free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, and preservatives.
Juice Beauty is a US-based organic skincare brand that uses USDA-certified organic ingredients. They are committed to sustainability and use eco-friendly packaging. Juice Beauty products are free from synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and artificial fragrances.
RMS Beauty is a US-based natural and organic makeup brand founded by Rose-Marie Swift. They offer a range of products, from foundation to eyeshadow, all made with natural and organic ingredients. RMS Beauty is committed to sustainability and uses eco-friendly packaging.
W3LL PEOPLE is a US-based natural and organic makeup brand that uses sustainable and eco-friendly ingredients. They offer a range of products, from foundation to mascara, all made with natural and organic ingredients. W3LL PEOPLE is committed to sustainability and uses environmentally friendly packaging.
Ilia is a US-based natural and organic makeup brand that uses sustainable and eco-friendly ingredients. They offer a range of products, from foundation to lip care, all made with natural and organic ingredients. Ilia is committed to sustainability and uses environmentally friendly packaging.
Do you have a product or range you would like us to add to this list? Drop and e-mail to jacqui@greenfamilyguide.com and tell me all about it!
HOT TIP! Check out The Humane Guide for a list of Recommended Cruelty Free Brands!